Policy debate: Decoupling freebies from politics

Freebies pose serious fiscal challenges, but they need an economic policy response

Economic policy debates are part and parcel of a functioning democracy. Such debates allow differing opinions on a proposed policy to be discussed in an open and healthy environment. Even when some differences remain unresolved, a decision taken after those debates has a greater chance of acceptance also by those who may have opposed it. This is what makes a functioning democracy more participative and effective.

India, with an argumentative society, has seen many debates on economic policies. The idea of setting up the Planning Commission was preceded by a lively debate in the Nehru government. His finance minister was not